Reps probe FCT’s rehabilitation centre, social protection programmes

The House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled plans to investigate the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and other Social Protection Programmes initiated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Bashiru Dawodu.

In his lead debate, Hon. Dawodu applauded the decision made by the FCT Administration on October 22, 2024, which “declared war on street begging with the aim of restoring Abuja’s image and enhancing security.”

“The House also notes that the majority of beggars are individuals with disabilities, with other contributing factors including Almajiri, internally displaced persons, poverty, unemployment, and cultural factors.”

“The House is concerned that begging is a long-standing social ill in Nigeria. Since 2003, FCT Administrations have declared war on beggars and used law enforcement to apprehend, prosecute, or repatriate them to their home states.”

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“The House is worried that this strategy has failed because it provides only a short-term solution, as beggars soon return, often in a different location.”

“The House is aware that the Federal Capital Territory has one semi-functional rehabilitation centre in Bwari, which is underfunded and provides suboptimal services.”

“The House is cognizant that the lack of effective long-term solutions, such as rehabilitation, monthly survival allowances, Almajiri feeding programs, and the resettlement of internally displaced persons, will result in endemic begging.”

“The House is also cognizant that if the lack of adequate funding and ineffective social protection programmes persists, street begging will remain intractable.”

Hence, the House mandated its Committee on Disabilities to conduct an investigation into the Abuja Rehabilitation Centre and the Social Protection Programmes of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and report within four weeks for further legislative action.